How to have a relationship with Jesus…

One of the clearest statements about knowing Jesus is found in 2 Corinthians 5:21. It says: For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. This verse teaches us several key truths that we must know if we are to come to God. The first truth we learn is that we are separated from God because of our sin. The fact that Jesus had to become sin for us teaches us that we are sinners. The bible says “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) It’s not just that we have sinned, it’s that we are sinners. Everyone is born a sinner and because of our sinful nature we actually do sin and are separated from God as a result.

On the flip side, God is holy. (Isaiah 6:3; I Peter 1:15-16). That means that God is completely without sin. He has never sinned and never will sin. Being completely holy is what makes God who he is. If he were to overlook sin, he would cease to be holy and cease to be God. So sin has to be completely separated from God and therefore we are completely separated from God. And the Bible teaches that sin requires death (Romans 6:23), and not just physically, but spiritually, forever being separated from God in a place called hell.

But the good news is, God has sent a substitute to die in our place. Since God loved us so much, he sent his only son to earth in order to die in our place. (John 3:16) The bible teaches that Jesus became our sin on the cross. God poured out the wrath and punishment that we deserved on Jesus in order that we might be saved. Jesus died to save his people from their sins! Thus 2 Cor. 5:21 says, For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. Thus when we come to faith in Christ we are given Jesus’ perfect righteousness. It sounds too good to be true or too simple but the amazing fact is that in exchange for our sin, Jesus gives us his perfect righteousness! That’s good news and a great exchange. The bible teaches that we must come to Jesus in faith, placing our trust and belief in him alone. (Ephesians 2:8) Faith is trusting Jesus’ perfect work instead of trusting in ourselves. It is accompanied by repentance, or turning away from our sin. If we will turn from our sin (repent) and trust in Christ’s work alone (faith), then the bible promises us that we will be saved. In Christ, we are accepted by God and are able to live with him in everlasting life.

First Baptist Church invites you to repent of your sin and turn to Jesus Christ in faith. Simply cry out to God in prayer and ask him to save you from your sins. God loves to save those who come to him with broken hearts. It is his delight! If you have committed yourself to Jesus Christ in faith and want to speak to a minister, please call us at 423-745-5441. We would love the opportunity to get to know you and talk with you further about Jesus Christ.